25. Traumatic Diagnosis Story with Shannon Dennis

One of the many layers of grief experienced by some parents of kids with special needs is tied to the trauma experienced either at birth or at the time of diagnosis if it comes later. Today’s guest shares her traumatic story of receiving her daughter’s rare diagnosis of KIF1A when she was 18 months old.

Shannon Dennis is the mom to six-year-old Sadie and three-year-old Weston. Shannon talks with us about the layers of Sadie’s rare diagnosis, coupled with a newly received autism diagnosis. She also shares what it means to navigate three-year-old Weston’s delays and developmental needs. And she has a message for medical professionals on how to/not to talk with families when delivering hard news.

Thank you for listening as we discuss why the approach and words of medical professionals matters to the mental health of parents receiving a diagnosis for their child.

Host, Lara Kitts

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